In California and across the west coast, substance abuse and addiction have damaged many lives. Many people in the state may be deterred from seeking help simply because of the high cost associated with drug and alcohol treatment.
But because of available private and public resources, many low-income people in California can receive free or reduced-cost substance abuse treatment services.
Are There Free Drug And Alcohol Addiction Treatment Centers In California?
California is a large state and has many quality outpatient and inpatient addiction treatment programs that are accessible at reduced rates or for free.
What Treatment Services Are Offered By Free Drug Rehab Centers In California?
There are many quality, free and low-cost addiction treatment options in California.
Free addiction treatment facilities in California might offer:
- inpatient or residential treatment
- partial hospitalization programs (PHP)
- intermediate and intensive outpatient programs (IOP)
- individual and group therapy
- withdrawal management (medication-assisted treatment and therapy)
- drug and alcohol detox (including MAT )
- additional need-based treatment and therapy (ex. Trauma, LGBTQ+, pregnancy, HIV/AIDS)
- dual-diagnosis treatment
- aftercare and case management
How Can I Get Free Treatment In California?
California has an abundance of non-profit entities and private rehabilitation programs that can provide free support.
Many programs accept Medicaid (Medi-Cal), some are completely free thanks to donations, and others have a sliding-scale fee structure for those who are uninsured or below a certain income level.
There are also scholarship programs and grants that may be available if you meet certain criteria.
California State Grants For Addiction Treatment
The state of California and the federal government have funds available to help people pay for needed addiction treatment.
The Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant (SABG) is a popular grant that is available through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
California Medicaid (Medi-Cal) Can Assist With The Cost Of Drug Rehab Centers
Most non-profit rehab centers and many private facilities in California participate in the Medi-Cal program for cost reimbursement.
To qualify for Medi-Cal, a single person must earn $17,131 a year or less. That number jumps to $23,169 per year for a two-person household.
In general, Medi-Cal recipients will receive free treatment if it is warranted. There may be additional fees or payments needed for some people on Medicaid.
Read more about using Medi-Cal to pay for addiction treatment
List Of Free Rehab Centers In California
California is the most populated state in the country, and there are many resources for quality free treatment. Here are just a few well-regarded programs that offer services to people from all walks of life.
1. Weingart Center Association – Clinical Services Department — Los Angeles, CA
One of the largest non-profit human services in the western US, the Weingart serves a large population of disadvantaged people in Los Angeles County.
With a full range of health and social services, people that want to make meaningful change and need help with the transition into sober, productive living can find help here.
Addiction services are free of charge and are operated with the John Wesley Children’s Hospital JWCH.
Services available through the Weingart Center include:
- group therapy
- co-occurring disorder treatment (mental health, trauma, domestic violence)
- 5-week outpatient program
- 16-week intensive outpatient drug and alcohol program
- inpatient care through VOALA (30-120 days)
- HIV/AIDS services
- focus on homeless men and women
- cognitive behavioral therapy
- multicultural sensitivity
- job and social needs coordination
Location and contact information:
566 South San Pedro St.
Los Angeles, CA 90013
(213) 627-9000 ext. 2121
2. CLARE Foundation — Santa Monica, CA
The CLARE Foundation provides residential rehab and detoxification for people that have a substance disorder. Their range of inpatient and residential programs has special areas for pregnant women and gender-specific divisions for men and women.
CLARE has a 5-star Google rating, is CARF-accredited, and accepts Medi-Cal.
Some of the treatment services provided at the CLARE Foundation include:
- individual and group therapy
- medically assisted treatment
- medical support and monitoring
- career readiness and employment assistance
- trauma care and counseling
- 12-step meetings
Location and contact information:
2644 30th St.
Santa Monica, CA 90405
(310) 314-6200
3. BAART — Fresno, CA
An outpatient detox and rehab center, BAART focuses on opiate addiction and provides quality access to detox and therapeutic interventions.
They accept Medi-Cal and offer a sliding-scale fee structure. BAART has three facilities in Fresno, all with 4.2-star Google reviews or higher.
Some of the treatment services provided at BAART include:
- MAT (methadone and buprenorphine/Suboxone)
- intensive outpatient programs
- methadone detoxification
- individual & group counseling
- relapse prevention
- pregnancy treatment
- care coordination
- std prevention and screening
Location and contact information:
539 N. Van Ness Ave.
Fresno, CA 93728
(559) 266-9581
4. Cedar House — Bloomington, CA
Cedar House is a non-profit residential rehab that has co-ed and men-only programs. They also provide outpatient services for continued success with sobriety.
They have a 4.4-star Google rating (80+ reviews) and accept Medi-Cal. They also have a sliding-scale fee structure for people without insurance.
Treatment services at Cedar House include:
- medically supervised detox
- inpatient/residential drug rehab
- medication management and co-occurring disorders treatment
- outpatient treatment services
- 12-step programs
- alumni support groups
- individual and group therapy
- aftercare support
- medication management
Location and contact information:
18612 Santa Ana Ave.
Bloomington, CA 92316
(800) 246-4357
5. HealthRIGHT 360 — San Francisco, CA
A combined effort from the historic Walden House and Haight Ashbury Free Clinics, HealthRIGHT360 provides free healthcare to anybody in need, including inpatient and outpatient addiction care.
Treatment services at HealthRight360 include:
- inpatient/residential and outpatient
- integrated mental health services
- medication management
- MAT (Suboxone)
- case management
- individual and group therapy
- primary medical care
- chronic disease management (diabetes, HIV, hepatitis)
- women’s services
- job development
- housing referrals
Location and contact information:
1563 Mission St.
5th Floor
San Francisco, CA 94103
(415) 762-3700
View our list of California detox and rehab centers to find additional treatment near you
Pros And Cons Of Free And Private Rehab Centers In California
Choosing a low-cost rehab in California comes with some considerations like cost, availability, and comfort.
Pros of free rehab:
- free or very low-cost treatment
- often well-connected with social services and housing providers
- safe, high-quality, standardized care from trained professionals
Cons of free rehab:
- may have a long waitlist
- may have fewer resources and treatment varieties
- some 100% free rehabs can feel restrictive
California has some of the premier private rehab facilities in the country. But even if you aren’t looking at a facility in Malibu or Palm Springs, there are factors to consider when looking at private rehab treatment.
Pros of private rehab:
- often has a favorable staff-to-patient ratio
- often more luxurious facilities or better food
- often integrates treatments like yoga and acupuncture
- can provide fun activities and sports
- typically accept many private insurance plans
Cons of private rehab:
- best facilities may be entirely out-of-pocket payment
- long waitlists for some recovery centers
- might be far from home
- insurance may not cover the total cost
- can be exclusive for some populations
What Financing Options Are Available For Rehab In California?
For people that need financial assistance and don’t qualify for Medi-Cal, there are still options available. Many facilities will work with people that demonstrate need and a desire to recover from their substance use disorder.
Some of the payment options at many rehab centers include:
- alumni rates
- private and public scholarships
- a sliding-scale payment structure
- private health insurance
- state and federal programs and grants
- Medicare
FAQs About Free Drug And Alcohol Rehab Centers In California
It’s important to go into the rehab process with as much information as possible. There’s a lot of information out there, so we’ve included commonly asked questions about the drug rehab process in California.
What Are The Benefits Of A Free Drug Rehab Program In California?
In California, free drug rehab programs allow people in need a second chance. These free programs treat people with substance use disorders with dignity and provide the needed support and aftercare to succeed in life without substance use.
What Type Of Drug Addiction Treatment Is Available At A Free Rehab Center In California?
People can expect outpatient treatment to include individual or group counseling. Some outpatient centers can provide medically assisted therapy as needed.
Inpatient programs vary but generally include detox (as needed), behavioral therapy, group therapy, and MAT if appropriate.
How Long Can I Stay At A Free Drug Rehabilitation Facility In California?
This question varies depending on the facility and the person’s needs.
Most outpatient programs will last between three weeks to upwards of a year. Some rehab facilities can work with you for over a year in low-intensity outpatient facilities.
Inpatient detox and rehab might last three weeks, but some programs will treat patients on an inpatient basis until they can safely transition into an outpatient program.
Find Free Drug And Alcohol Treatment In California
Drug and alcohol abuse can take over a person’s life. If you or one of your loved ones wants to make a change, then a free recovery program in California might be the answer.
Financial obstacles don’t have to get in the way of sober living. Free and reduced-cost rehab treatment programs can offer a new lease on life.
Call our addiction treatment hotline to learn more about the best treatment plans for your needs. From inpatient rehab to intensive outpatient programs, there are ample resources in the state of California to help you make the best choice for your needs today.
Select a city below to find a Free Drug Rehab Center near you:
Article Sources- Benefits.gov –– California Medicaid
https://www.benefits.gov/benefit/1620 - California Health and Human Services –– Directories for Substance Use Disorder Services
https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/provgovpart/Pages/SUD-Directories.aspx - Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) — Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant
https://www.samhsa.gov/grants/block-grants/sabg - Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) –– Opioid Treatment Provider Locator
https://dpt2.samhsa.gov/treatment/directory.aspx
